Microchip Technology RE46C144S16F
- Part No.:
- RE46C144S16F
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Sensor and Detector Interfaces
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
RE46C144S16F.pdf
- Description:
- IC SMOKE DETECTOR CMOS 16-SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
RE46C144S16F from Microchip Technology is a CMOS photoelectric smoke detector ASIC with integrated gain-selectable photo amplifier, interconnect capability, and 10-minute timer mode for sensitivity control. It operates at 6–12 V, draws only 4–6 µA standby current, delivers 75% duty-cycle horn drive, and supports UL217/UL268 compliance in standalone or interconnected systems.
For engineers reviewing the RE46C144S16F datasheet, RE46C144S16F pinout, RE46C144S16F application, or RE46C144S16F equivalent, this device serves as a complete analog front-end and timing controller for photoelectric smoke alarms - requiring no external microcontroller, supporting push-button chamber test, low-battery detection, and remote alarm synchronization across up to 40 units.
Technical Context
The RE46C144S16F integrates a strobed photoamplifier architecture that powers detection circuitry for 100 µs every 10 seconds (typical), reducing standby current to ≤6 µA. Its dual-gain capacitor interface (C1/C2) enables independent high-gain chamber testing and normal-gain smoke sampling, while internal comparators reference VDD−3.5 V for smoke threshold and monitor VDD for low-battery detection at 6.9–7.5 V.
Interconnect operation uses a bidirectional I/O pin with 670 ms digital filtering, constant-current drive during local alarm, and NMOS discharge for line settling. Horn outputs (HB/HS) deliver complementary 252 ms on-time pulses at 75% duty cycle, synchronized with internal timing derived from ROSC/COSC RC network (10.5 ms nominal oscillator period).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 6–12 V - Supports standard 9 V alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries; includes internal regulation for IRED and STROBE rails. |
| Standby Current | 4–6 µA at 9 V - Achieved via 10 s strobe interval and power-gated analog blocks; enables >5-year battery life in typical detectors. |
| Smoke Detection Interval | 10.75 s (standby) → 1.33 s (alarm confirmation) - Adaptive sampling rate increases after consecutive valid smoke samples to reduce false alarms. |
| Horn Drive Output | 252 ms on / 84 ms off (75% duty cycle) - Complementary HB/HS outputs directly drive piezoelectric transducers without external H-bridge. |
| Interconnect Support | Up to 40 units - Bidirectional I/O pin with 670 ms filter tolerates pulsed signals from CO alarms; no external logic required. |
| Timer Mode Duration | 10 minutes - Activated by TEST pin edge; switches smoke comparator reference to external VSEN voltage for temporary sensitivity adjustment. |
| UL Recognition | UL File S24036, compliant with UL217 & UL268 - Certified for use in residential and commercial photoelectric smoke detectors. |
Pinout & Package
RE46C144S16F is supplied in a 16-lead narrow SOIC package (3.90 mm body width, JEDEC MS-012AA), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (C1) | High-Gain Capacitor Input | Sets photoamplifier gain for push-button chamber test; gain = 1 + C1(pF)/10, max 10000. |
| 2 (C2) | Normal-Gain Capacitor Input | Sets standby smoke sensitivity; gain = 1 + C2(pF)/10; adjustable per chamber optics. |
| 3 (DETECT) | Photodiode Cathode Input | Zero-bias input for IR photodiode; connects directly to chamber sensor output. |
| 4 (STROBE) | Strobed Negative Supply | Regulated VDD−5 V output active during detection pulse; powers photoamp reference. |
| 5 (VDD) | Positive Power Supply | Main supply input (6–12 V); powers all internal blocks and drives IRED/LED/Horn drivers. |
| 6 (IRED) | Infrared Emitter Driver | Pulsed pre-driver for NPN transistor driving IR LED; 100–115 µs on-time, 10.75 s period. |
| 7 (IO) | Bidirectional Interconnect | Open-drain output + Schmitt-trigger input; enables daisy-chained alarm propagation with 670 ms noise immunity. |
| 8 (HB) | Horn Brass Output | Inverted output for piezoelectric transducer metal electrode; complements HS for differential drive. |
| 9 (HS) | Horn Silver Output | Non-inverted output for ceramic electrode; forms full bridge with HB to maximize acoustic output. |
| 10 (FEED) | Horn Feedback Input | Connects to feedback electrode via current-limiting resistor; optional for self-test or hysteresis enable. |
| 11 (LED) | LED Driver Output | Open-drain NMOS for visible status LED; 10 ms pulse every 43 s (standby) or 500 ms (alarm). |
| 12 (COSC) | Oscillator Capacitor Input | RC node with ROSC sets clock low time (~10.5 ms); determines IRED strobe interval. |
| 13 (ROSC) | Oscillator Resistor Drive | Drives COSC node; resistor value sets IRED pulse width (100–200 µs) and clock high time. |
| 14 (VSS) | Negative Power Supply | Ground reference for all analog and digital circuits; must be low-impedance return path. |
| 15 (VSEN) | Timer Sensitivity Input | External reference input for 10-minute timer mode; overrides internal VDD−3.5 V comparator threshold. |
| 16 (TEST) | Mode Control Input | Pull-down input triggering push-to-test, chamber check, or timer activation on high-to-low transition. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Power-On Reset | Ensures deterministic startup and initialization of analog blocks, oscillator, and state machine without external RC network. |
| ESD Protection on All Pins | Withstands ≥2 kV HBM per MIL-STD-883 Method 3015.7 - eliminates need for external TVS diodes in detector housing. |
| Integrated Low-Battery & Chamber Test | Automatically verifies battery voltage (6.9–7.5 V threshold) and optical path integrity every 43 s - chirps horn if either fails. |
| 75% Duty-Cycle Horn Pattern | Optimized acoustic output and power efficiency - delivers loud, attention-grabbing alarm with minimal average current draw. |
| UL Recognition per File S24036 | Validated for UL217 (residential) and UL268 (commercial) smoke detector standards - reduces certification effort for end equipment. |
| Compatible with Allegro A5358 | Functional equivalence confirmed in smoke detection logic, interconnect behavior, and horn timing - enables drop-in replacement in legacy designs. |
Applications
| Residential Smoke Alarm | Commercial Interconnected System |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Standalone ceiling-mounted alarm in bedrooms or hallways using 9 V battery and IR emitter/detector chamber. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary smoke sensing ASIC performing gain-controlled photoamplification, adaptive sampling, and horn actuation. Use Value: 4 µA standby current extends battery life beyond 5 years; UL217 compliance ensures regulatory acceptance. |
Use Scenario: Multi-unit office building with 20+ detectors wired in parallel via single interconnect bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Distributed alarm node providing local detection, remote alarm triggering, and synchronized horn output. Use Value: 670 ms interconnect filter rejects noise from HVAC or lighting systems; bidirectional I/O eliminates master-slave wiring complexity. |
| Temporary Sensitivity Adjustment | Chamber Integrity Monitoring |
|
Use Scenario: Kitchen-area detector temporarily desensitized during cooking to prevent nuisance alarms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Timer-mode controller switching smoke comparator reference from internal VDD−3.5 V to external VSEN voltage. Use Value: 10-minute window allows safe cooking without disabling alarm; automatic reversion to full sensitivity afterward. |
Use Scenario: Detector in dusty attic environment requiring periodic verification of optical path cleanliness. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Self-diagnostic engine performing high-gain background reflection sampling every 43 s. Use Value: Two consecutive chamber test failures trigger audible alert - prevents silent failure due to lens contamination or misalignment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar photoelectric smoke detector ASIC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE46C144E16F | Same die, PDIP-16 package (300 mil width) instead of SOIC-16; θJA = 70°C/W vs. 86.1°C/W. | Preferred for through-hole prototyping or legacy PCBs; less suitable for high-density surface-mount production. | Select RE46C144E16F when manual assembly, thermal margin >15°C/W is available, or existing PDIP footprint exists. |
| Allegro A5358L | Functionally equivalent smoke ASIC; identical interconnect timing, horn pattern, and UL217 compliance; differs in TEST pin behavior and diagnostic mode entry. | Drop-in replacement in most designs; requires validation of TEST pin pull-down strength and VSEN handling in timer mode. | Choose A5358L when sourcing flexibility is critical and board-level validation of TEST/VSEN interaction can be completed. |
Compared with RE46C144S16F, the RE46C144E16F offers better thermal performance but larger footprint, while the A5358L provides second-source assurance with minor pin-level behavioral differences requiring design review.
Availability
RE46C144S16F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for residential fire safety systems, commercial interconnected alarm networks, and UL-certified detector modules requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for RE46C144S16F includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and security ICs, with ISO/TS-16949 certified manufacturing and global technical support.
The RE46C144S16F belongs to Microchip's dedicated smoke detector ASIC product line, designed specifically for UL-compliant, low-power, self-contained photoelectric alarm systems without external processors.
FAQ
What is the operating voltage range for the RE46C144S16F?
The RE46C144S16F operates over a supply voltage range of 6 V to 12 V DC, supporting common 9 V alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries. Internal regulation maintains stable IRED, STROBE, and comparator references across this range, with low-battery detection triggered between 6.9 V and 7.5 V.
How does the RE46C144S16F implement interconnect functionality across multiple detectors?
The RE46C144S16F uses its bidirectional IO pin (Pin 7) to form daisy-chained interconnect networks. During local alarm, it drives the pin high via constant current; remote units detect this edge and enter alarm. A 670 ms digital filter rejects noise, and NMOS discharge clears line capacitance after alarm events - enabling reliable communication among up to 40 RE46C144S16F-based units.
Can the RE46C144S16F be used without an external microcontroller?
Yes - the RE46C144S16F is a fully autonomous smoke detector ASIC. It integrates photoamplifier control, adaptive sampling logic, low-battery monitoring, chamber self-test, horn timing, LED indication, and interconnect signaling. No external processor is needed; only passive components (resistors, capacitors, IR LED, photodiode, piezo transducer) are required for a complete detector.
What is the purpose of the C1 and C2 pins on the RE46C144S16F?
C1 (Pin 1) and C2 (Pin 2) set high-gain and normal-gain photoamplifier configurations respectively. C1 enables push-button chamber testing by amplifying background reflections; C2 sets baseline smoke sensitivity during standby. Gain = 1 + C(pF)/10, allowing precise tuning for optical chamber characteristics without trimming resistors.
Does the RE46C144S16F support UL certification out of the box?
Yes - the RE46C144S16F is UL Recognized under File S24036 and explicitly validated for compliance with UL217 (single-station smoke alarms) and UL268 (commercial fire alarm systems). This recognition covers its internal smoke detection algorithm, horn timing, low-battery response, and interconnect behavior - significantly reducing end-product certification burden.
RE46C144S16F Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- Smoke Detector
- Input Type:
- Photoelectric
- Output Type:
- Voltage
- Current - Supply:
- 8 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -25°C ~ 75°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
RE46C144S16F FAQ
1.How can I place an order for RE46C144S16F through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for RE46C144S16F on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for RE46C144S16F reliable?
The price and inventory of RE46C144S16F are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for RE46C144S16F is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for RE46C144S16F?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for RE46C144S16F transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for RE46C144S16F?
RE46C144S16F orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your RE46C144S16F order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for RE46C144S16F?
For technical support, including RE46C144S16F datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your RE46C144S16F requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that RE46C144S16F is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All RE46C144S16F products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that RE46C144S16F meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of RE46C144S16F?
All RE46C144S16F units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with RE46C144S16F, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The RE46C144S16F part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for RE46C144S16F:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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